Collapsible crate



R. L. FORNER.

COLLAPSIBLE CRATE. AI PLICATION FILED FEB. 23, 192].

1,436,389. Patented Nov. 21, 1922,

. I. Q ZSHEETS-SHEETI.

" '39 39 as Y J Pr;

7- f 0 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

R. L. FORNER. COLLAPSIBLE CRATE. APPLICATION FILED FEB-23. 1921.

W/f/ress I MINI/1310a,

Patented. Nov. 211, 19220 I SHEETS-SHEET 2.

' BY I Y Patented Nov, 21, 1922,

rear ent re GOLLAPSIBLE CRATE.

Application filed February 23, 1921.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ROY L. FoRNnR, a citizen of the United States, residing at Grimes, in the county of Roger Mills and State of Oklahoma, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Collapsible Crates, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in collapsible or folding crates, such as egg cases and the like, which are designed to be folded when not in use to pccupy the smallest amount of space possib e.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a crate of the above nature having means associated therewith for securely retaining the parts in either an erected or collapsed position, said means being constructed and associated with the crate in such a'manner asto render the same easily operable and possessing the valuable characteristic of reinforcing the crate when erected.

Another object of the invention is to provide the crate with fastening means common to opposite sides of the crate for retaining the sides in erected position, and means carried by the top of the crate for cooperation with the fastening means through the medium of locking means whereby the crate may be securely fastened in either an erected or collapsed position.

A further object of the invention is to r provide means extending entirely around the crate for protecting the same against rough handling and having hinge means associated therewith for hingedly connecting the parts to one another in a manner that the crate may be compactly foldedinto a collapsed position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.-

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of the application and whereas like .numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the improved crate.

Figure 2 is a transverse section of the same taken on the line 2 2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through the crate.

Serial No. 447,058.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the crate in a collapsed position.

gigure 5 is an end elevation of the same, an

Figure 6 is a detail perspective view of one of the latching element Figure 7 is a detail perspective view of an end of one of the fastening elements.

Referring now to the drawings wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 7, as best seen in Figures 3 and 4C, designates the bottom of the collapsible crate or case having the ends 8 of the crate and a partition 9 hingedly connected by means of hinges l0 and 11 respectively to the upper face of the bottom. It will be noted that the ends and partitions 9 are of a less width than the bottom so that the lower edges of the sides 12 and 13 of the crate may rest upon the upper surface of the bottom when in an erected position. The ends 8 are hingedly connected to the bottom a slight distance from the end edges thereof, so that when the ends are swung outwardly to an erected position, their outer surfaces will be approximately flush with the transverse end edges of the bottom.

The hinge 11 of the partition 9 consists of straps 14, secured to one side of the partition and having their lower ends angularly disposed across the lower edge of the partition so as to dispose the hinge joints 15 of these hinges adjacent the opposite side of the partition. The other sections 16 of these hinges are secured to the bottom 7 and due to this particular manner of hing ing the partitions, one of the ends 8 of the crate may be swung, inwardly to engage the bottom 7 and the partition 9 may be swung outwardly toward this collapsed end to be arranged thereupon. It will of course be obvious that the other end of the crate may also be swung inwardly to engage the bottom 7.

A pair of metal straps 17 as best seen in Figure 2 extend transversely of the bottom and are secured to the underface thereof.

The ends of each strap 17 are formed into can being hingedly connected with the hinges 18 at corresponding ends of the straps 17. As best seen in Figure 2, corresponding ends of the straps 19 project a distance beyond the relative lower edge of the side 12, whereby the latter may be swung to engage the underside of the bottom 7 when in a collapsed position, and so that the relative lower edge of the side may rest upon the upper surface of the bottom when arranged erect. The corresponding relative upper ends of the strap 1.9 are arranged flush with the upper edge of this side 12;

The pair of straps 20 secured to the ex terior of the side 18 adjacent the ends thereof, terminate short of the longitudinal edges of the sides and are formed into hinge knuckles for cooperation of similar knuckles formed upon the ends of link straps 21 to provide hinges 22. The hinge links 21 adjacent the lower edge of the side 13 extend beyond the longitudinal edge of this side to be connected to the hinges 18 of the straps 17. The hinge links 21 arranged adjacent the top of this side terminate in hinge knuckles arranged approximately flush. with the upper edge of the side to cooperate with similar knuckles to form hinges 23 between these links and the straps 241: which extend transversely of the top 25 of the crate and secured to the underside thereof. Due to this construction as most clearly seen in Figures 4 and 5, the relative lower hinge links 21 permit the side 13 of the crate tobe arranged beneath the side 12 and the relative'upper hinge links 21 permit the top 25 being arranged beneath the side 13 when the crate is collapsed.

The sides 12 and 13 of the crate are provided at each end'thereof and at their medial portion with a pair of spaced apertures 26. The straps 19 and 20 extend across these apertures and are provided with aligning apertures 27 for protecting the edges of the apertures.

The inner faces of the ends 8 and one face pair of transversely extending grooves 28 for the reception of a pair of latch members 29 assuming in the present instance the form of rods. These rods are retained within the grooves by means of staples and are both finger 39.

81 of the latch elements or rods 39 are turned so that they will readily pass through the slot or apertures when the sides of the crate are swung into upright position. After the sides have assumed this position it will be found that the loops of the rod will project beyond the exterior surfaces of the sides and can be readily gripped and turned so as to be disposed transversely of the slots to prevent their accidental slipping through the slots.

The sides having been erected the top 25 is then swung so that it rests on the upper edges of the sides and ends. The upper sur face of this top has transversely extending rods secured thereto, one adjacent each end and one upon the intermediate portion of the top by means of staples. Opposite ends of these rods are bent into horizontally disposed loops 35 which project beyond the longitudinal edges of the top so that the align with the loops of the latch elements 29 when the crate is erected and so'that locking means may be readily associated with the loops of the top and those of the ends and partition 9 when the crate is collapsed or erected.

The fastening means which are adapted to securely retain the'crate in either a collapsed or erected position are adapted to pass through the loops 3501" the top and the loops 31 and 33 of the latch rods 29. In the present instance, the fastening means consist of a plurality of members each designated in its entirety by the numeral 36,. Each fasten ing member consists of a pair of relatively adjustable parts 8-? and 38, one end of each being provided with a wing'89 which may swing inwardly of its respective part but is restricted in its outward movement by the The parts 37 of the fastening members are adapted to have their wings 39 extended transversely to be engaged with the loops 35 of the top to support the parts or rods 37 so that they depend through the loops 3501? the top and the loops 31 of the relative upper latch rods 29 when the crate is erected. The lower end. of each rod 21' below the loop 31 through which it extends is provided with a pivoted loop 40 which is adapted to cooperate with, any one of the laterally extending downwardly inclined fingers 41. of the part 38. The bar or rod 88 extends upwardly through the loop 81 of the relative upper latch rod 29 and thewing 39 of the part 38 is adapted to abut with the loop 31 of the crate. t will therefore be obvious that the fastening elements 36 securely maintain the crate in an erected position as well as to lock the top 25 upon the crate. Furthermore, when the crate is in a collapsed position as clearly shown in Figure 1, the fastening elements o'may be associated wlthcertain of. the loops to retain the crate in a compact closed position.

1,4se,sse

Assuming that the crate is erected as' shown in Figures 1 and 2 and it is desired to collapse the same, the fastening elements 36 are withdrawn from the loops 31 and 35 by shifting the loops 40 so that the fingers 41 of the parts 38 may be disengaged therefrom after which the parts 37 and 38 may be withdrawn in an obvious manner. After this has been accomplished, the loops 31 of the latch rods 29 are turned so that they align with the apertures in the side 12 whereupon the side may be swung upon its hinges 18 to be disposed upon the under side of the bottom 7. Loops 33 which are swiveled upon the other ends of the latch rods 29 are likewise turned to align with their respective slots, so that the side 13 may be swung outwardly of the bottom and the top 25 swung upon its hinges 23 to be arranged upon the exterior surface of the side 13. This side 13 and top 25 are then swung to be disposed beneath the side 12 of the crate while the ends 8 are swung inwardly to lie upon the bottom 7. The partition due to its particular hinge connection with the bottom, may be swung to lie upon one of the ends 8. As stated before, the fastening elements 36 may be associated with certain of the loops for retaining the crate in a collapsed position.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings have reference to what might be considered to be the approved or preferred form of my invention. I desire it to be understood, that I may make such changes in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts, materials, dimensions, et cetera, as may prove expedient and fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, said sides provided with openings, and rotary latch means carried by the ends and adapted to project through said openings to fasten the crate erect.

2. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, said sides being pr()vi-;lecl with slots, and rotary loops carried by the end and adapted to project through said slots to fasten the crate erect when the loops are disposed transversely of the slots.

3. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, said sides being provided with aligned openings, rods carried by the ends and extending transversely of the crate, and opposite ends of the rods being provided with loops adapted to project through said openin s to fasten the crate erect.

4. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, said sides being provided with aligned openings, rods carried by the ends and extending transversely of the crate, one end of each rod having a loop formed thereon, a loop swiveled on the opposite end of each rod and said loops being adapted for projection through said openings to fasten the crate erect.

5. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, said sides being provided with aligned openings, said ends having their inner surfaces equipped with grooves extending transversely of the crate, rods mounted for rotation in said grooves, and means carried by said ends of the rod for projection through the openings for fastening the crate erect.

6. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, and a top, said sides having openings therein, loops carried by the ends and top, said loops of the ends adapted for projection through the openings, and means adapted to extend through the loops of the ends and top for preventing the loops of the ends from accidentally disengaging the openings and for retaining the crate in either erected or collapsed position.

7. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, said sides having openings therein, rotary latching means carried by the ends for projection through the openings to retain the crate erect, and an adjustable two part fastener for extension through certain of the latching means for preventing their disengagement from their respective openings.

8. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, said sides having openings therein, rotary loops carried by the ends for projection through the openings to retain the crate erect, and an adjustable two part fastener adapted for extension through said loops for preventing their disengagement from their respective openings.

9. A collapsible crate comprising sides, ends and a top, said sides having openings therein, straps secured to the sides and top and equipped withmeans for hinging said parts to one another, the straps of the sides having openings therein to align with the openings in the sides, and means carried by the ends for projection through said openings in the sides and side straps.

10. A collapsible crate comprising a bottom, a side hinged directly thereto and; adapted to swing beneath the bottom, a second side connected to the bottom by a double hinge and adapted to be swung outwardly of the bottom and under the same to engage the first mentioned side, a top hinged to the second mentioned. side by a double hinge and adapted to swing outwardly of the side to be arranged on the bottom of said side when the crate is collapsed and ends hingedly connected to the upper surface of the bottom and adapted to be swung inwardly to rest upon the upper face of the bottom when the crate is collapsed.

11. A collapsible crate comprising collapsible sides and ends, said sides having openings therein, rotatable loops carried by the ends for projection through the openings in the sides to retain the crate erect, an adjustable two part fastener adapted for extension through said loops, one of said parts being equipped With spaced projections and the other With a pivoted loop to cooperate With the projections, and the end of each part being equipped With means for engaging its respective loop of the crate to prevent aocidental displacement of the fastener.

12. A collapsible crate comprising hinged sides and ends, said sides being equipped with slots, rotary fasteners carried by the 15 ends and adapted to be projected through said slots, said fasteners being rotatable whereby they may be disposed transversely of the slots to prevent the fasteners from accidentally returning through the slots.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

ROY L. FORNER.

lVitnesses JAMES G. IIAMBROOK, WALTER PATTERSON. 

